FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions

Predictions for the FIFA World Cup 2026 based on Statistical Analytical Football Models

AUEB & Trieste Sports Analytics Research Group,
Athens University of Economics and Business and
University of Trieste,
ENSAI and Digisport

It’s time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a truly historic tournament being hosted jointly by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States—an extraordinary setup of particular interest in many ways. "We Are 26" is the official motto, hoping not only to host a successful World Cup but also to create a lasting impact on the community and set a new standard for future mega-events, with an emphasis on sustainability, diversity, and continental unity across North America. But let’s turn to the competitive side of things…

We often hear that the World Cup is the ultimate test, the absolute Holy Grail of soccer. Unlike continental competitions such as the Euro or the Africa Cup of Nations, the challenge here is of a completely different nature: teams must face radically different styles of play from all five continents and cope with the intensity of a competition where the pressure is at its peak. It is the stage where legends are made. This 2026 edition is, in fact, one of a kind, as it brings together 48 teams for the first time and is being played across three different countries (Canada, Mexico, and the United States). Such a vast scale leaves the door wide open for historic upsets and feats by “underdog” nations ready to shake up the global hierarchy. Will one of the three host countries manage to lift the trophy on home soil? Or will we witness the crowning of a usual giant? Or will we see a surprise? In any case, it promises to be a spectacular spectacle on the pitch. So, enough with the predictions – let’s get down to business: let’s take a look at what the statistics and facts have in store for us in this historic tournament.

All Predictions can be found here.